Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
We pursue our national interests and project the UK as a force for good in the world. We promote the interests of British citizens, safeguard the UK’s security, defend our values, reduce poverty and tackle global challenges with our international partners.
Shadow Ministers / Spokeperson
Liberal Democrat
Lord Purvis of Tweed (LD - Life peer)Liberal Democrat Lords Spokesperson (Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs)
Calum Miller (LD - Bicester and Woodstock)
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Foreign Affairs)
Conservative
Priti Patel (Con - Witham)Shadow Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs
Green Party
Ellie Chowns (Green - North Herefordshire)Green Spokesperson (Foreign Affairs)
Junior Shadow Ministers / Deputy Spokesperson
Conservative
Lord Callanan (Con - Life peer)Shadow Minister (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Wendy Morton (Con - Aldridge-Brownhills)
Shadow Minister (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Junior Shadow Ministers / Deputy Spokesperson
Conservative
Andrew Rosindell (Con - Romford)Shadow Parliamentary Under Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs)
Alec Shelbrooke (Con - Wetherby and Easingwold)
Shadow Parliamentary Under Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs)
Ministers of State
Stephen Doughty (LAB - Cardiff South and Penarth)Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Parliamentary Under-Secretaries of State
Lord Collins of Highbury (Lab - Life peer)Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Hamish Falconer (Lab - Lincoln)
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Seema Malhotra (LAB - Feltham and Heston)
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Chris Elmore (Lab - Bridgend)
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
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Although China is the UK’s fifth largest trading partner, the UK Government has, in recent years, described China as an …
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether her Department has had discussions with Commonwealth …
This Order approves the making of payments on behalf of the Government of the United Kingdom to the Caribbean Development …
A Bill to make provision for and in connection with the implementation by the United Kingdom of the Agreement under …
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Commons Appearances
Oral Answers to Questions is a regularly scheduled appearance where the Secretary of State and junior minister will answer at the Dispatch Box questions from backbench MPs
Other Commons Chamber appearances can be:- Urgent Questions where the Speaker has selected a question to which a Minister must reply that day
- Adjornment Debates a 30 minute debate attended by a Minister that concludes the day in Parliament.
- Oral Statements informing the Commons of a significant development, where backbench MP's can then question the Minister making the statement.
Westminster Hall debates are performed in response to backbench MPs or e-petitions asking for a Minister to address a detailed issue
Written Statements are made when a current event is not sufficiently significant to require an Oral Statement, but the House is required to be informed.
Most Recent Commons Appearances by Category
Bills currently before Parliament
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office does not have Bills currently before Parliament
Acts of Parliament created in the 2024 Parliament
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has not passed any Acts during the 2024 Parliament
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office - Secondary Legislation
Petitions
e-Petitions are administered by Parliament and allow members of the public to express support for a particular issue.
If an e-petition reaches 10,000 signatures the Government will issue a written response.
If an e-petition reaches 100,000 signatures the petition becomes eligible for a Parliamentary debate (usually Monday 4.30pm in Westminster Hall).
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Petition Closed
Urgently fulfil humanitarian obligations to Gaza
Gov Responded - 8 Aug 2025 Debated on - 24 Nov 2025closed 5 months, 2 weeks ago
Act to ensure deliverer of fuel, food, aid, life saving services etc. We think this shouldn't be dependant/on condition of Israeli facilitation as the Knesset voted against UNWRA access to Gaza. We think if military delivery of aid, airdrops, peacekeepers etc, are needed, then all be considered.
Departmental Select Committee
Foreign Affairs Committee
Commons Select Committees are a formally established cross-party group of backbench MPs tasked with holding a Government department to account.
At any time there will be number of ongoing investigations into the work of the Department, or issues which fall within the oversight of the Department. Witnesses can be summoned from within the Government and outside to assist in these inquiries.
Select Committee findings are reported to the Commons, printed, and published on the Parliament website. The government then usually has 60 days to reply to the committee's recommendations.
11 Members of the Foreign Affairs Committee
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 11th September 2024
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 28th October 2024
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 28th October 2024
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 16th December 2024
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 16th December 2024
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 27th October 2025
Foreign Affairs Committee: Upcoming Events
The UK Government’s China Audit
20 Jan 2026, 9:30 a.m.
At 10:00am: Oral evidence
Her Excellency Mrs Susanne Christine Baumann - Ambassador at Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in the United Kingdom
At 10:45am: Oral evidence
Robert Ward - Japan Chair at International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS)
Professor Yuichi Hosoya - Professor of International Politics at Keio University, Japan
Guibourg Delamotte - Professor of Political Science, Japanese Studies Department at French Institute of Oriental and African Studies (Inalco)
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Foreign Affairs Committee: 17 Current Inquiries
Foreign Affairs Committee: Previous Inquiries
50 most recent Written Questions
(View all written questions)These issues were discussed at the Commonwealth Heads of Government summit (CHOGM) in Samoa in October 2024. Economic resilience is a key area of focus in the Commonwealth Strategic Plan for 2025 - 2030. Since CHOGM we have continued to discuss these issues in international and multilateral fora, and in bilateral conversations with our Commonwealth partners.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 6 November 2025 in response to Question 86282, and I would add that Baroness Chapman raised the issue of violence towards religious minority groups during her trip to Bangladesh later that month.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) maintains a clear and comprehensive strategy to address cyber and information security threats across the global network and continues to deliver an ongoing programme to strengthen resilience and safeguard critical assets. The FCDO's approach aligns with National Cyber Security Centre best practice and includes regular assessments to ensure resilience amid a continuously evolving business, digital and threat landscape.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The ongoing conflict in Amhara has led to significant humanitarian needs, and widespread conflict-related human rights violations and abuses. In Tigray, there are an estimated 500,000 to 700,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs).
UK Official Development Assistance to Ethiopia in 2025/26 is £172.7 million, of which £95.5 million has been used to provide lifesaving humanitarian aid, focused on emergency health, nutrition, and social protection implemented by a combination of UN agencies, non-governmental organisations, and the Red Cross.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has sought to maintain a constructive dialogue with senior figures in the Venezuelan opposition in recent years, including Maria Corina Machado, and as the Foreign Secretary said in her statement to the House on 5 January, she spoke to Ms Machado in the wake of the removal of Nicolas Maduro to reassure her of the UK's support for a peaceful transition to a democratic government in Venezuela, respecting the will and rights of all its people.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
We remain in regular contact with members of IGAD on a range of regional issues, including through the UK's Representative to IGAD based in Djibouti.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The Government regularly engages with African countries and African regional bodies. Any announcements of future summits to be hosted, or attended by, the UK Government will be made in the normal way in due course.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Equality Impact Assessments (EIAs) are an essential part of how we make decisions on Official Development Assistance (ODA) programme allocations. The 2025/26 EIA, as published on gov.uk captures the impacts on children where these were reported at programme level. We will continue to track spend on equalities and plan to improve the availability and use of data. As part of this, we will consider how we measure impacts on relevant age groups, as this is not something we have done previously.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The Prime Minister's travel will be confirmed in the usual way.
This Government is taking a consistent, long term and strategic approach to managing the UK's relations with China, rooted in UK and global interests. We will co-operate where we can and challenge where we must.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
It has been the long-standing policy of the United Kingdom under successive governments never to speculate on hypothetical operational responses to hypothetical scenarios.
I refer the Hon Member to the statement made to the House by the Foreign Secretary on 5 January, and her responses to questions raised in that debate, where she set out in comprehensive terms the UK's position on Greenland.
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
I refer the Hon Member to the answer I provided on 15 October 2025 in response to Question 77510.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
We keep our sanctions powers, regimes, designations and measures under review to respond to new developments and changing circumstances.
The Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) may issue general or specific licences on behalf of His Majesty's Treasury to allow activities otherwise prohibited by an asset freeze, such as payments for existing obligations or property maintenance. However, a licence only permits these actions - it does not require the designated person to carry them out. Maintenance or repairs will occur only if they choose to do so.
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The UK is committed to expanding economic cooperation with the Overseas Territories, recognising the importance of sustainable economic prosperity to the whole UK family. The 2025 Joint Ministerial Council included discussions with UK Export Finance regarding their infrastructure offer and credit finance opportunities in the UK, as well as a business engagement session involving UK companies with infrastructure expertise, including airports.
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The Government does not control the purchase of private property within the United Kingdom, and keeps no central record of purchases made on behalf of individual nation states.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The Government does not control the purchase of private property within the United Kingdom, and keeps no central record of purchases made on behalf of individual nation states.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The work experience competition referred to by the Hon Member is in its fourth year in Belgium, run by the UK embassy alongside their counterparts from Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the Netherlands, and not only provides an outstanding opportunity for the young women selected to take part, but an important means for the embassies involved to engage with high schools across their host country, and cement our strong relationships in that country for the future. The competition is delivered at minimal cost, shared across the four embassies, and while the Hon Member may take a different view, we believe in increasing the opportunities available to young women all over the world to play their full part in public life.
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
I refer the Hon Member to the statement made to the House by the Foreign Secretary on 18 November 2025, and to the most recent Urgent Question debate on 15 December 2025.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
As set out in the UK's Critical Minerals Strategy, we are working through bilateral and multilateral initiatives to promote transparent, sustainable, and responsible supply chains that uphold robust labour standards.
Last year the UK worked with multilateral partners to agree the G7 Critical Minerals Action Plan, and G20 Critical Minerals Framework. We support global standards such as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Mineral Supply Chains which helps businesses operate responsibly in high-risk areas.
In addition, the Modern Slavery Act requires large businesses operating in the UK to report annually on steps taken to combat forced labour in their supply chains, and the Government is reviewing its approach to responsible business conduct as part of the Trade Strategy. This includes assessing the effectiveness of current measures and exploring alternative ways to prevent human rights abuses in supply chains.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
As set out in the UK's Critical Minerals Strategy, we are working through bilateral and multilateral initiatives to promote transparent, sustainable, and responsible supply chains that uphold robust labour standards.
Last year the UK worked with multilateral partners to agree the G7 Critical Minerals Action Plan, and G20 Critical Minerals Framework. We support global standards such as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Mineral Supply Chains which helps businesses operate responsibly in high-risk areas.
In addition, the Modern Slavery Act requires large businesses operating in the UK to report annually on steps taken to combat forced labour in their supply chains, and the Government is reviewing its approach to responsible business conduct as part of the Trade Strategy. This includes assessing the effectiveness of current measures and exploring alternative ways to prevent human rights abuses in supply chains.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
I refer the Hon Member to the statement made to the House by the Foreign Secretary on 18 November 2025, and to the most recent Urgent Question debate on 15 December 2025.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The UK has now sanctioned 545 ships under its Russia sanctions regulations. Russian oil cargoes carried on ships specified by the UK in the first half of 2025 dropped off by an estimated 28 per cent and were worth approximately $4.5 billion less, comparing prior cargoes to the three months post-specification. Establishing a shadow fleet, including replacing capacity lost to UK and partner sanctions has cost Russia at least $14 billion. Russia's oil export revenues are now at their lowest since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. At the start of last month (December 2025), nearly 180 million barrels of Russian oil were sitting in tankers undelivered - up 28 per cent since August 2025.
Minister of State (Development)
The UK has now sanctioned 545 ships under its Russia sanctions regulations. Russian oil cargoes carried on ships specified by the UK in the first half of 2025 dropped off by an estimated 28 per cent and were worth approximately $4.5 billion less, comparing prior cargoes to the three months post-specification. Establishing a shadow fleet, including replacing capacity lost to UK and partner sanctions has cost Russia at least $14 billion. Russia's oil export revenues are now at their lowest since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. At the start of last month (December 2025), nearly 180 million barrels of Russian oil were sitting in tankers undelivered - up 28 per cent since August 2025.
Minister of State (Development)
The UK has now sanctioned 545 ships under its Russia sanctions regulations. Russian oil cargoes carried on ships specified by the UK in the first half of 2025 dropped off by an estimated 28 per cent and were worth approximately $4.5 billion less, comparing prior cargoes to the three months post-specification. Establishing a shadow fleet, including replacing capacity lost to UK and partner sanctions has cost Russia at least $14 billion. Russia's oil export revenues are now at their lowest since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. At the start of last month (December 2025), nearly 180 million barrels of Russian oil were sitting in tankers undelivered - up 28 per cent since August 2025.
Minister of State (Development)
I refer the Hon Member to my statement to the House on 5 January and to the statement made by the Foreign Secretary on 13 January.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The UK regularly raises the situation in the West Bank with the Israeli government, including the demolitions of housing, olive groves, and other civilian infrastructure, carried out in breach of International Humanitarian Law.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
I refer the Hon Member to the Foreign Secretary's letter to the Foreign Affairs Committee on 29 December, and the statement of 5 January, Official Report, Column 111.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
I refer the Hon Member to the responses provided in the Urgent Question debate on 3 December.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The Government works closely with international partners in support of efforts to prevent and resolve conflicts, and ensure the provision of humanitarian aid in conflict zones.
This includes discussing with states and organisations active in mediation how best to coordinate efforts to ensure their effectiveness, and using the existing international treaties that govern the provision of humanitarian assistance during conflict, principally the Geneva Conventions, to demand that warring parties facilitate safe access and prevent interference with humanitarian activities.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The Government works closely with international partners in support of efforts to prevent and resolve conflicts, and ensure the provision of humanitarian aid in conflict zones.
This includes discussing with states and organisations active in mediation how best to coordinate efforts to ensure their effectiveness, and using the existing international treaties that govern the provision of humanitarian assistance during conflict, principally the Geneva Conventions, to demand that warring parties facilitate safe access and prevent interference with humanitarian activities.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
I refer the Hon Member to the Foreign Secretary's statement to the House on 5 January, and her responses to questions raised in that debate.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
I refer the Hon Member to the Foreign Secretary's statement to the House on 5 January, and her responses to questions raised in that debate.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
I refer the Hon Member to the Foreign Secretary's statement to the House on 5 January, and her responses to questions raised in that debate.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The UK Government takes seriously any concerns about environmental and human rights impacts linked to British businesses operating abroad. We regularly engage with both the Government of Indonesia and UK companies to promote responsible business conduct and uphold international standards.
The UK is a signatory to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, which promote responsible business conduct globally. Our National Contact Point allows individuals and organisations to raise concerns about UK-linked corporate behaviour overseas.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The UK has sanctioned a number of targets responsible for supplying arms to the military regime since the coup in 2021. In 2022, the UK sanctioned two Russian companies involved in the supply and upkeep of aircraft for the Myanmar Armed Forces. In 2024, the UK issued its 19th round of sanctions, targeting companies involved in the procurement of aviation fuel and equipment to the Myanmar Armed Forces. To date, the UK has imposed sanctions on 10 individuals and entities in connection with the import of aviation fuel.
The UK convened the UN Security Council (UNSC) on 22 December 2025 to discuss the Myanmar crisis, and condemned recent airstrikes on civilians and civilian infrastructure. A summary of the session is available on gov.uk: https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/elections-under-the-current-circumstances-in-myanmar-risk-provoking-further-violence-uk-statement-on-myanmar
The UK continues to use its penholder role to shine a spotlight on the Myanmar crisis at the UNSC.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The UK Government is aware of the ongoing implementation of National Strategic Projects across Indonesia. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office senior officials have raised the importance of free, prior and informed consent (FPCI) for Indigenous People and Local Communities (IPLCs) with senior Indonesian parliamentarians and Government of Indonesia officials, most recently in August 2025.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
I refer the Hon Member to the statement made to the House by the Foreign Secretary on 5 January, and her responses to the questions raised in that debate.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
At Column 804, in response to the Noble Lord's question on the matter.
Minister of State (Development)
I refer the Noble Lord to the responses I gave to the House in response to oral questions on 8 January, Official Report, vol. 851, cols. 1317-1320.
Minister of State (Development)
The UK remains committed to support conflict and atrocity prevention to help save lives, uphold international law and prevent cycles of violence that drive displacement. The UK can rapidly deploy a range of assistance in response to humanitarian emergencies. This includes aid items such as tents and blankets, the UK Emergency Medical Team (UK EMT), and the UK International Search and Rescue Team, as well as technical experts specialising in disaster management, conflict, and health, among others. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) holds the Humanitarian Crisis Reserve, designed to enable rapid responses to new or emerging humanitarian crises, such as a natural disasters, disease outbreak, or spike in conflict.
We are working through detailed decisions on how the Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget will be used from 2026/27 to 2028/29, informed by internal and external consultation and impact assessments. ODA is only one element of how we deliver impact. It is the combination of defence, politics, development, diplomacy and policy levers, which will maintain the UK's effectiveness amongst international partners and within the multilateral architecture.
Minister of State (Development)
These were among the representations that the Foreign Secretary referred to in her opening statement, at Column 800, and again - in response to Lord Oates - at Columns 802-803.
Minister of State (Development)
I welcome the report on Sudan issued by the Standing Group on Atrocity Crimes last month and look forward to engaging with them on this issue. Sudan remains a top priority for this Government, as reiterated in my statement to the House during the Debate on Sudan on 27 November 2025, where I also laid out further steps the UK has taken to protect civilians and seek accountability for atrocities committed in Sudan. Furthermore, on 12 December, I wrote to Parliament to outline that the UK - as part of our determined commitment to prevent atrocities and hold perpetrators to account - would be sanctioning four senior Rapid Support Forces (RSF) commanders suspected of atrocities in Sudan.
Minister of State (Development)
I refer the Noble Lord to the answer I gave him on 24 November in response to Question HL11823.
Minister of State (Development)
I refer the Noble Lord to the answer I gave him on 24 November in response to Question HL11823.
Minister of State (Development)
The report referenced by the Noble Baroness has been reviewed as part of our ongoing work to monitor credible information regarding atrocities in Sudan, and take action accordingly.
On 12 December, I wrote to Parliament to outline that the UK would be sanctioning four senior Rapid Support Forces commanders suspected of atrocities.
On further steps the UK has taken to protect civilians and seek accountability for atrocities committed in Sudan, I refer the Noble Baroness to my statement to the House during the Debate on Sudan on 27 November 2025.
Minister of State (Development)
The report referenced by the Noble Baroness has been reviewed as part of our ongoing work to monitor credible information regarding atrocities in Sudan, and take action accordingly.
On 12 December, I wrote to Parliament to outline that the UK would be sanctioning four senior Rapid Support Forces commanders suspected of atrocities.
On further steps the UK has taken to protect civilians and seek accountability for atrocities committed in Sudan, I refer the Noble Baroness to my statement to the House during the Debate on Sudan on 27 November 2025.
Minister of State (Development)
I refer the Lord Bishop to the statement I made to the House on 7 January.
Minister of State (Development)
I refer the Lord Bishop to the statement I made to the House on 7 January.
Minister of State (Development)
The UK opposes the death penalty in all circumstance as a matter of principle. We continue to play an integral role in the delivery of the UN Third Committee and have repeatedly called on Iran to establish an immediate moratorium on executions, including at the Committee's annual resolution in November 2025. The resolution condemned Iran's application of the death penalty, which is in violation of its international obligations, including executions undertaken against persons on the basis of forced confessions and without fair trial and due process. We will continue to work with international partners to hold Iran to account for its continued human rights violations.
Minister of State (Development)
The UK opposes the death penalty in all circumstance as a matter of principle. We continue to play an integral role in the delivery of the UN Third Committee and have repeatedly called on Iran to establish an immediate moratorium on executions, including at the Committee's annual resolution in November 2025. The resolution condemned Iran's application of the death penalty, which is in violation of its international obligations, including executions undertaken against persons on the basis of forced confessions and without fair trial and due process. We will continue to work with international partners to hold Iran to account for its continued human rights violations.
Minister of State (Development)